Where was lurid material?
To the Editor:
When I read Mr. Wall’s letter in last week’s Sentinel, I had to find the older paper to see what lurid editorial I had missed. Apparently he was so disturbed by the first paragraph that he failed to read the rest of it. The article was not intended to shock or titillate, but to make plain the discrepancy in the way our legal system regards two different crimes: the sale of a drug and physical assault.
It was not a lurid description of sexual behavior; if that had been the intent, the editor could have supplied much more graphic detail—the internal tearing to the woman’s body, the psychological horror, the risk of life-threatening infectious disease, the possibility of unwanted pregnancy.
The editorial was a protest about the discrepancy in the punishment for that crime (eight years) and the punishment for assisting in the sale of marijuana (life without parole). Of the two crimes, the rape was much, much worse, yet it was compared to a rodeo sport. That was truly shocking. I hope our daughters never have occasion to find out how trivial their bodies are in the eyes of the law. I echo the appeal that we, as a community, take the crime of rape more seriously.
I respect Mr. Wall’s concern about the impact on his minor children. How much better it would be to have an honest discussion with his children, encourage their interest, and answer their questions than to censor their reading. Horrible things happen, and the children who are prepared by loving parents are the lucky ones.
Teddy Cole
Goldendale
Parents should educate kids
To the Editor:
I must respond to the recent letter questioning the judgment of your editorial about rape. Rural communities are not immune to the violence that happens in urban areas. The percentages are virtually the same; the only difference in numbers directly relates to the population numbers. I admire those who strive to be actively involved in their children’s lives. However, having raised my own children to adulthood, I realized I couldn’t insulate them from the world, but I needed to be open to whatever their questions might be.
Your editorial on sexual assault really touched a nerve with me, since advocating for sexual assault victims is part of what we do here at Programs for Peaceful Living. You were absolutely correct that sexual assault is a crime of power and control. It has nothing to do with how the victim acts or dresses. Women dressed in burkas and even nuns in habits have been victims of sexual assault.
You were correct in assuming most victims do not report rape to the authorities.
Sexual assault is a crime that isn’t discussed freely in rural communities, but it doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. Parents need to remember to keep lines of communication open at all times, and to not shame a child about sexual curiosity. Children need to learn it’s okay to assert themselves, and it’s okay to talk to someone they trust when they feel unsure about something.
The advocates at our offices offer information and support to anyone who would like to do more to protect our most vulnerable citizens.
Gretchen Olsen
Goldendale
Rape is a hate crime
To the Editor:
Thank you for your thought provoking editorial regarding rape and its victims. What few in our country seem to realize is how the victims of such crimes are treated. It is important we all become better informed and understand the reasons behind the acts. Rape is a hate crime and those committing such acts should be tried according to the laws dealing with such brutality. Unfortunately, many of those charged with investigating criminal acts, as well as most Americans, do not grasp that rape is a hate crime. Instead, they view it as a sex crime and we all know the attitudes about sex in this country.
We can continue sticking our heads in the sand, but as long as the majority of us view rape victims as, somehow, “bringing it on themselves,” our judicial system will continue to excuse perpetrators and average citizens will question the female’s role in rape. Change will only occur when each of us takes responsibility for our beliefs and attitudes.
We teach our children to report the bully on the playground, that it is wrong to steal, vandalize and destroy property. When it comes to rape, we often ignore the issue unless it rears its ugly head in our own families. We might just as well blame the homeowner whose home was broken into or those injured or killed by a tornado.
Lucy Kaufman
Goldendale
Turn off the lights when you leave
To the Editor:
After reading the recent Sentinel, we have a solution to your problem: put a locked gate up at all the roads leading to town — that will keep people out and help the town die faster.
Some people want to keep the town the same old, dull place with no new people. The town has lost the mill, prison, train rails, and almost the hospital. It should be proud to have our events planner - she has done more than anyone has done for years to bring in events and people from all over the United States. Not often do you get a person who can do such a wonderful job.
Others have also spent hours working on events to bring people into town. These people are not the Hell’s Angels types. They are here for family events. They own cars, motorcycles, motor homes, and like to stay in motels, eat at the cafes, and look in secondhand stores and art shops. Come on and think. Open your eyes. Goldendale does need people.
If not, would the last person to leave Goldendale please turn off the lights?
Hazel and Clayton Stiff
Vancouver
Riders decide
To the Editor:
In response to the Freedom vs Safety editorial:
It seems we are in the age of enforced “safety” for everyone. It must be because basically people are self-destructive. Why else would anyone allow the government to force “solutions to accidents” on individuals by making new laws? Are we really that ignorant? Giving away our freedoms, which were hard-won, is not the answer.
A few years ago, because of a mandatory hook-off rule (a safety procedure for fall protection), two of my fellow ironworkers went down hooked to a structure when it collapsed. Three other ironworkers on the structure were able to jump to a nearby stable structure because, despite the rules, they did not hook off. Their experience (not self destructive nature) led them to that instinctive decision which saved their lives.
Let the individual decide. In the pursuit of happiness, I have been riding street motorcycles for the past 42 years. A helmet is a handicap to me. It impairs my vision, hearing, and adds weight on my neck - all dangerous things for the rider. The National Transportation Safety Administration has proven that states with mandatory helmet laws have a consistently higher fatality rate than adult helmet choice states. So why are we one of the few states that have a mandatory helmet law? I think too many non-riders, whoever they may be, made that decision for their own special gains, whatever they may be.
I say, let the rider decide!
Mark Philipsen
Goldendale
Keep events
To The Editor:
I'm very concerned about the article in the Aug. 7 paper regarding the events and festivals here in Goldendale.
Events and festivals bring outside money to our town, showcase our city and area, plus give locals the opportunity to enjoy fun activities, some even world class. I would highly encourage Mayor Parton and the City Council to continue to support bringing these events to Goldendale.
There are petitions at many of the local businesses throughout the city, so if you agree with me that events of this caliber which Golden Event Planning has been arranging for Goldendale are worthwhile, please add your signature.
Lynda Wojt
Goldendale
|
